William Grady

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William (Billy) J. Grady, 71, of Fitchburg, MA. He was a beloved husband, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. Billy passed away on January 19, 2026, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Billy known to many as “Grades” was born on February 23, 1954 in Pittsfield, MA the son of Thomas and Margery (Callaghan) Grady. The family moved to Leominster where Billy grew up alongside his older brother Michael and younger brother John.

Bill attended St. Leo’s Elementary School in Leominster, Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg, and Assumption College in Worcester. He made many lifelong friends along the way.

Billy was a gifted athlete who became a notable basketball player at Notre Dame High School. Billy scored over one thousand points in his high school career while leading his team through several outstanding seasons. Billy was selected to The Worcester Telegram and Gazette All Star Basketball Teams for his junior and senior high school years for outstanding performance as a Central Mass high school basketball player. He was also named MVP his senior year at Notre Dame.

Billy’s love for basketball continued post college where he played in several men’s leagues. Once his playing days were over, Bill became a highly respected IAABO certified basketball official.

Billy was a dedicated New England Sports fan and was considered an encyclopedia of knowledge when it came to teams, players and statistics.

After college, Billy worked in retail as a manager, was later employed by Sevigny Brothers Blacktop Inc.  and retired from The City of Fitchburg in 2023.

Above all Billy was a devoted husband to his wife, Yolanda (Yogi). Yogi was his heart, his home, and greatest love.

As we say good bye to Bill, we celebrate a life, well lived; leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and purpose.

Billy is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Yolanda (Gagne) Grady, brother Michael Grady and his wife Beverly of Ft. Mill, SC, brother John Grady and his wife Anne Marie of Sterling, his three step children Karen LaPierre and husband Steve of Leominster; Sandy James of Kennesaw, GA; Kimberly Bourque and husband Brian of Dallas, GA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Billy also leaves a wide circle of wonderful friends.

Billy was predeceased by his parents, and his stepdaughter Rachel Gagne.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday January 24 in The Curley Marchand Funeral Home, 89 West St. Leominster with a celebration of life at 11:00 AM

Calling Hours at the Funeral Home will be on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM

In leau of flowers donations may be made to The Alzheimers Association see www.alz.com

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